🏏ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 M37: ITA vs WI at Kolkata🏏
West Indies will look to maintain their unbeaten streak and conclude the group stages with a perfect record as they face tournament debutants Italy on Thursday (February 19) at Eden Gardens in Kolkata.
Their fates are already sealed. West Indies, as table toppers in Group C, are next headed to Mumbai for the Super 8s stages while Italy will be packing up to return home. However, there's still pride to play for, for the first-timers. Italy's 10-wicket thrashing of Nepal was enough evidence that they aren't just making up the numbers here. But heavy defeats on either side of that historic win meant their maiden World Cup journey would end at the group stages itself.
West Indies, on the other hand, have been near flawless through the first round. They opened their campaign with a 35-run victory over Scotland, and then defended 196 against favourites England at the Wankhede before thrashing Nepal by nine wickets to seal the top spot. With a healthy net run-rate of 1.820, only a heavy upset can dislodge them from the top spot that they currently occupy.
Different players have consistently put their hand up for the team, with three different Player of the Match awards in as many games. The wins have been built on complete all-round performances with nearly all the batting order firing consistently. The bowling department, too, has worked in unison to skittle oppositions.
While Italy may have shown they are not mere pushovers, West Indies will come into the contest as heavy favourites. The sheer explosive capabilities of the two-time champions will likely overwhelm the Italian bowling attack on the run-laden Kolkata deck. An upset will unlikely change anything but Italy's standing in cricketing history.
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